Rohtang Pass - A Tunnel Road of Himachal Pradesh

Adventure in life is the only way to keep self happy. However, adventure should not be that risky that life becomes danger all the time. Today we are going to discuss about the Rohtang Pass that is one of my favorite Indian tourist place located at good altitude of 3,978 meters from sea level. It is the high mountain area of east Pir Panjal Mountains of Himalaya. The pass is around 51 km long and one of the biggest tourist destinations of India Manali is just 32 miles away from Rohtang. This world famous pass connects the Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti of HP (Himachal Pradesh), India.

 

Although Rohtang pass is just a highway but the adventurous locations comes on the route are amazing. It could be the best experience for the visitors as the complete pass is full of hills, dangerous valleys and amazing greenery spread surrounding. If you reach the location in winter you will find only snow everywhere.

 

Geographical info: This route divides two major tourist destinations of India such as Kullu and Manali. Some other big closer points to reach through Rohtang pass are Lahaul, Spiti valleys, Chenab and basins. Beas River is flowing from this area, though it emerges underground and flows towards south direction of place. Northern part is having another holy river Chandra that is the source Stream of Chenab River.

 

Overview: As the pass is located in Himalaya ranges so reaching spot in winter is difficult. The route is open between May to November so try to attain at such period only. Basically route is not difficult enough, but you can face the snowstorms anytime so for precautions its better not to get there in winter. If we go through historical background the pass is used since ancient period specially for trading between people of Pir Panjal and other cities.

 

NH 21 is connecting Kullu Valley to Keylong through Rohtang Pass. It also connects the Lahul city to to Leh of Ladakh. It is also used as military route to reach Kargil in summer season. You might face traffic jams at this highest route of India because the roads are wider but are covered with snow maximum time. Many military vehicles such as trucks and jeeps are regularly using this pass so crossing them could be little challenge for driver.

 

Impressive things about Rohtang Pass:
Unknown Waterfall: Because of increased traffic some danger is occurred to the environment of this place. You might see unknown waterfalls during the route as effect of global warming is registered in this region.

 

Road tunnel: The beautiful surroundings and amazing natural spots are major reason that people are reaching Rohtang pass regularly. As it is the highway and open throughout the year the Indian government has constructed a road tunnel with investment of $320 million in 2010. The distance of this tunnel will be 8.5 km and its completely safe and faster route to reach Keylong, Spiti, Lahaul and Leh.

 

According to votes given by people the best tourist attractions of Rohtang pass are Rohtang Tunnel and Dash air. If you go through detail study of pass you will find there are nearly 14 different places to visit in Moorang city that is only 41 km away from Rohtang Pass.

 

Best attraction spots near Rohtang Pass:
Manali: First place to visit near pass is Manali located at altitude of 6398 feet from the sea. The Himalayas ranges are most popular attraction of the city. However, this honeymoon spot is all time favorite location for travelers. Manali is only 51 km away from Rohtang Pass so enjoy the city and spend maximum time of your vacations.

 

Kullu: Next spot for you is valley of Gods known as Kullu. This beautiful valley city of HP is available throughout the year. People love to visit this place in summer holidays because of calm and pleasant temperature. The accommodation and hospitality of Kullu is famous in world. You have to cover the distance of 93 km to reach Kullu from Rohtang Pass.

 

Jagat Sukh: Another spot to visit near pass is Jagat Sukh that is popular for old temple of God Shiva. Distance of Jagat Sukh is only 48 km from Rohtang Pass.

 

Few other demanding locations for voyagers near Rohtang pass are Rahala Water Falls (37 km away), Nehru Kund, Hadimba Temple, Vashist hot water spring and shrines. Manu Temple is also one more best location for travelers located at 50 km distance from pass.

 

How to reach Rohtang Pass?
By Air: Closest airport for pass is Bhuntar positioned at 104 km distance. Famous destination Manali is also in the same route. NH 21 is available for you to connect Rohtang and flights from Delhi are available for Bhuntar.

 

By Road: HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) buses are accessible from Manali for Rohtang Pass. You will be surprised if you go to pass through road because the best view of nature is able to make moment memorable. Keylong is also having buses for this pass so no worries about the transport in this region.

 

By Rail: closest railway station is Joginder Nagar located at 103 km distance from Rohtang Pass. Manali is also having station but only meter gage trains are available for Manali.

 

Plan A Trip To Bijapur (A Holy Place of Karnataka)

Bijapur city of Karnataka state is our next tourist destination of India. The city is holding countless monuments and special spots for voyagers. Experts say a week is required to enjoy the city properly as there are many places to visit. Some monuments are built during the ruling period of Adil Shahi dynasty and their structural design was famous in whole India. To reach Bijapur you have to travel for 530 km distance from Bangalore. However, Mumbai is 550 km far and Hyderabad is 384 km distant from the city.

As per census of 2011 the average population of Bijapur was 326,000. Area wise city is holding 9th position in biggest cities of Karnataka. This city was established between 10^th to 11^th centuries by kings of Kalyani Chalukyas. Earlier Bijapur was named as Vijayapura means “city of victory”. Yadavas ruled the city after beating Chalukya rulers. Bijapur name was given by the influence of Khilji Sultan of Delhi in 13^th century. Different rulers ruled the city and created different monuments at interval so we can say city is having huge historical values for India.

Major Attractions of Bijapur:

Gol Gumbaz: The first place to visit in town is the famous monument Gol Gumbaz. As its name suggests the place is famous for the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, who ruled the city from 1627to 1657. The tomb is famous because of largest dome ever constructed in world. Experts suggest St Peter's Basilica of Rome is second largest dome compared to size of Gol Gumbaz. Central chamber is the major attraction of this place. Once you attain to the central chamber, then make sound and it will get echo for seven times the minimum. Next special spot of Gol Gumbaz is Whispering Gallery. Mosque, Trumpeters hall and guest houses are other visiting areas of Gumbaz.

Archaeological Museum: To learn the history of the city museum is the best place. If you want to know more about the Bijapur, then visit the archaeological museum where you can watch several curious things such as inscriptions, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and military hardware.

Ibrahim Rauza: Ibrahim Adil Shah II Tomb is next spot of Bijapur. Adil Shah ruled the city from 1580 to 1627. He was the greatest emperor like Akbar of Mughal dynasty. This Rauza is constructed on single rock and it’s noted for the great balance on the hill. You can compare the design of Ibrahim Rauza with famous Taj Mahal of Agra as structural design is similar of both monuments.

Malik-e-Maidan: one biggest medieval gun of the world is placed in Bijapur. The size of the cannon is 4 meter long and 1.5 meter diameter with 55 ton weight. The gun was brought to Bijapur from Ahmadnagar in 17^th century. Sherza Burj (means Lion Gate) was especially constructed for this huge gun. The nozzle of cannon is designed with lion's head. This special gun was on bid in 1854 and the price was decided of Rs. 150, though the deal was canceled in the end.

Upli Buruj: A place constructed by Hyder Khan in 1584 is next place to visit. It is a tower with 80 ft height standing in north direction of Dakhani Idgah. View of the city from tower is amazing, though entry is not allowed at present. The other name of tower is Hyder Burj. The reason behind construction of Upli Buruj was security of the city from external attacks.

Chand Bawdi: Ali Adil Shah ruled the city between 1557 to 1580 and constructed a tank closer to boundary of Bijapur. Adil Shah restructured the city and settled the damaged areas with new construction. His major purpose was to provide water supply to the local people. 20 million liters capacity tank is able to supply water to whole area.

Asar Mahal: A palace known as Asar Mahal is one more attraction constructed in 1646 by Mohammed Adil Shah. It was the justice place so we can call it as court of ancient era. The structure is completely decorated with frescoes. However, women’s entry is strictly prohibited in this place. Once you visit the Bijapur you must attend the URS festival conducted at this place.

Numerous other places are available in Bijapur where travelers can reach like Gagan Mahal, Barakaman, Saat Kabar, Ibrahim Rauza, Malik-Karim-ud-dins, Jami Masjid, Jod Gumbaz, Green Stone Sarcophagus, Jala Manjil, Malik-I-Maidan, Taj Bavadi, Sat-Manzil, Mehatar Mahal, Malika Jahan Mosque, Chand Bavadi, Malik Sandals Mosque, Shanmukhasvami Matha, Mecca mosque, Narasimha temple, Lord Shiva Statue, Parshwanath Basadi, Torvi Narasimha Temple, Basavan Bagewadi, Shree Siddeshwar Temple and Alamatti Dam (Dam is also recognized as Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagar Dam).

Attaining to Bijapur:

By Road: city is properly connected to major hubs of India. NH (National Highway) 13, NH 50, NH 218 and some more highways are touching the internal and external areas of city. Karnataka State Transport is having buses for Bijapur from almost every corner of the state. Multi axle coaches, sitting push back coach, sleeper coach, AC and Non AC Volvo, Isuzu Tata Motors, Mercedes Benz, Ashok Leyland, Mitsubishi and many more transport services are available for Bijapur. Frequent buse service is available from Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli and Belgaum for Bijapur.

By Rail: Bijapur railway station is serving state from long years. Direct train is available for this destination from several parts of the nation. Hotgi junction is another closest big station for Bijapur. Trains for this city are available from Solapur, Gadag, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Yeshwantpur, Bellary, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hubli, Hyderabad and Ahmadabad.

By Air: Bijapur domestic airport is linked to many big cities of India. Airport is located at Madabhavi village closer to Bijapur City. A new airport is under construction and sooner the state is planning to start international airport by spreading the area. 

Yumthang - Hill Station of Sikkim

The best Indian tourist place Yumthang Valley is our next target. As its name suggests this place is famous valley located in Sikkim State. Sikkim is full of amazing spots and Yumthang valley is one of them. Yumthang is famous for picturesque location and breathtaking sights. Flora and fauna are special attraction of valley. Some big names of flowers grown in this place are Primulas, Iris and poppies. Rhododendron flower is the only flower that is grown in Yumthang valley. The complete valley gets covered with rhododendrons flowers in monsoon. Teesta River is flowing through this valley.

If you are attaining to this place then target the major tourist spot Shingba Rhododendron Park. Once you reach here you can also attain to another tourism location Lachung. You can get the route of Chungthang to reach Shingba Park and for accommodation you can try for permanent guest house located in valley.

Attraction of Yumthang Valley:

Hot Spring: Hill areas are chilled with temperature and visitors will get similar conditions in Yumthang valley. However, the best scenic view and plenty of hot springs are must attaining spot of valley. The hot springs of valley are having best medicinal properties that mean if you take a dip in the spring your skin ailments will get cure. The finest part of these springs are they are always hot even in freezing temperature.

Singba Rhododendron Park: This sanctuary is spread in 43 sq km area, but you have to move towards north direction of Sikkim to reach this spot. Major population of valley is reaching this sanctuary on weekends and special occasions.

Shiva Mandir: Valley of Flower is another name of Yumthang. A temple of Lord Shiva located closer to Gangtok city is one more attraction of valley. Feeling of a holy place between greenery, valley or natural beauty is best. Temple of lord Shiva is spot where you should reach and take blessings.

Attaining to Yumthang Valley:

By Road: Yumthang valley is just 150 kms away from Gangtok (capital city of Sikkim). Private taxis and buses are available for valley from Gangtok. If you really want to enjoy the place then hire the jeep for your troop. Siliguri is another also closer city to reach valley destination.

By Train: Jalpaiguri railway station is available that is connected to some big stations of state. Siliguri is also the option having connectivity to big cities. Trains for Siliguri and Jalpaiguri are available from Chennai, New Delhi, Guwahati and some more places.

By Air: domestic airport of Siliguri is the only way to reach Yumthang valley by air. Airport named as Bagdogra is located in outer area of Siliguri. Big cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Guwahati are having frequent flights for Siliguri. Kolkata is the closest international airport to reach Siliguri. 

Barmer - City of Rajasthan

Indian tourist place Barmer is our next target. This city of Rajasthan is 2^ndlargest region as well. Major town comes under Barmer district are Guda Malani, Balotra, Baytoo, Jasol, Siwana and Chohatan. Barmer is also famous for large oil field. The city was named after King Bahada Rao Parmar. The king was also named as Bar Rao Parmar. Sources say the region was founded by the king in mid of 13^thcentury. Earlier the place was named as Bahadamer which means hill fort of Bahada.

Barmer is having historical values in India’s past. This place is having amazing forts and that major attraction of the town. The historical castles get decorated on festivals especially the colorful events. However, the whole region is listed in dry cities of India.

Attraction in Barmer:

Barmer Fort:First place to visit in town is fort located on dry hill. If we recognize the Barmer area as dry rocky hill town then it will be easily understandable. Visitors can easily find the ruins of Fort from almost every corner. Water shortage is the major problem in the town, but the local administration is having special arrangements for voyagers. Presently some part of fort is serving the city as big hotel. You can get the accommodation in fort and can enjoy the royal living style of Rajasthan. 

Balark Temple: Next location of Barmer is Balark Temple that is devoted to the God Sun. Ancient damaged areas of Juna (old) Barmer are some more famous locations for visitors. Once you reach this place you will find 3 Jain shrines built in somewhere 1295 AD. If you are attaining to this temple then don’t forget to look the massive pillar located in the hall of temple constructed in the ruling period of King Kula Samanta Sinha.

Kiradu: Talking about the 3^rd place of Barmer it is the hill location positioned at only gap of 35km. Kiradu is basically a village located on the foot of a hill closer to another village Hathma. The amazingly carved shrine and unbelievable structural design of temple is must view spot in Kiradu. In this area you will find 5 oldest shrines in which one is devoted to God Vishnu and rest four are devoted to God Shiva. Nature lovers will keen to visit the hill top as the view of district is amazing experience for visitors.

Closer attraction of Barmer: Few small but best towns for tourism near Barmer are Khed, Mallani, Jasol village, Meva Nagar and Nagar-Ki-Bhakarian hill area.

Attaining to Barmer:

If you are coming from Ahmadabad towards Barmer then you have to travel for 408 kms distance. However, if you are getting route of Jaipur then 522 km will be the distance, New Delhi will be 791 km, Kanpur will be 1016 km and Chandigarh is 1082 km away. Jodhpur is big city closer to Barmer having bus, train and taxi services.

By Train: Railway station of Barmer is properly connected through meter gauge to Jodhpur. In India train is the cheapest transport mode so we can say it is the most convenient and prominent transport facility for voyagers. Cities having trains for Barmer are New Delhi, Guwahati, Haridwar and Kalka.

By Air: The Jodhpur airbase is closer to Barmer located at distance of 220 km. This domestic airport is having frequent flights from New Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Udaipur.

By Bus: Rajasthan Roadways is one of the best bus transports of India and buses for Barmer from various cities of India are available. Buses are available in good amount from Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and some more cities for Barmer. 

Kalpa - Highest Peak of Himachal Pradesh

Kalpa is the attractive destination of Himachal Pradesh popular for wonderful hills and beautiful scenery. It is a town that relaxes the visitors with cool climate. Kalpa town is having countless tourist destinations. The surrounding area is also covered with hills that means voyagers are getting complete hilly areas to enjoy their vacations. However, Kalpa is turned as most demanding peak among other nearby hills. People are using this town as base to visit other locations of the state.

If you visit to Kalpa then you can also attain to Rekong Peo that is positioned at only gap of 13 kms. This attractive place (Rekong Peo) is so stunning and able to provide best views of green valleys. The altitude of Rekong Peo is 2670 mts. 

Another closer tourist spot of Kalpa is Kothi located at 3 kms distance from Rekong Peo. Kothi is popular for shrines devoted to Goddess Chanadika. The perfect view and magnificent scenery of Puh, Nako and Jangi hills are closer spots of Kalpa. 

Major Attractions of Kalpa: 

Kothi: initial tourist place for voyagers in Kalpa region is Kothi located at 3 kms distance from Reckong Peo. Reaching Kothi will take around 30 mins through car. Here the shrine is first place to visit as the structural design of temple is amazing. The golden image of Goddess Chanadika is wonderful. 

Chaka: a spot famous as Chaka is next destination for visitors. A long trekking is the way to reach peak of Chaka. Local guide is available to guide about the trek of Chaka. The altitude of this peak is approximately 15000 feet from the sea level. During the day trips are managed towards lake and the valley. It is best thing to do in the town so don’t miss the trip of lake and valley as Chaka. 

Kinner Kailash: another tourist place of Kalpa is Kinnaur Kailash also known as “Kinner Kailash”. It is the peak with 6500 meter height popular as sacred hill for Buddhist. 

Sangla Valley: a green valley of Kalpa is one more location for visitors. Bapsa River is flowing from this region and the altitude of valley is 8900 feet from the sea level. Some amazing spots in this region are Kilba, Sapni, Kamru Fort, Rackchham, etc. 

Batseri: a small bug impressive village known as Batseri is next destination for voyagers. It is closer to Baspa River and only accessible by walk. During the village route there are some typical streams which are able to take your breath away. 

Kamru Fort: if you like to attain historical places of Kalpa than Kamru Fort is best destination for you. Built at the good height of 2600 meter from the sea level and easily reachable from Sangla Valley. Distance between Sangal and Fort is only 2 kms, however if reaching from Shimla then you have to cover the distance of 229 kms. Numerous gates are specialty of the fort and Lord Buddha picture is special thing to watch. 

Roghi village: Kalpa is having numerous locations for voyagers and Roghi is one of the villages of Kalpa region positioned at 8 kms from the town. The place is famous for apple orchards, though voyagers can also take pleasure of tribal village living standard in Roghi. Suicide Point is the closer tourist attraction from Roghi village and its just 5 minutes distance to reach. 

Suicide Point: a spot known as Suicide Point positioned at 10 minutes distance from village Kalpa. Long time back lots of suicides being occurred from this spot because of poverty. Hence the spot is named as suicide point. It is the dangerous spot but famous for apple gardens. 

Sapni Fort: a last known destination of Kalpa is Sapni Fort placed closer to Sapni village. This unique structural place is having two buildings. A shrine of Goddess Kali is positioned in 5th storey of the building. Sources say King Padam Singh from Rampur constructed this fort for his queen. 

Attaining to Kalpa:

Reaching Kalpa is little difficult task but if you are reaching from Chandigarh then you have to cover the distance of 291 kms. However, if your route is from New Delhi then it is 557 kms away, if Kufri then 164 kms away, if Shimla than 178 kms far and if Kasauli then you have to travel for 246 kms distance. 

Journey towards Kalpa is little difficult because of high hills surrounding. There is no specific railway station and airport in Kalpa. Road is the only best method to reach Kalpa and private taxis are available from nearest big spots of the town. 

By Air: closest air base for Kalpa is Shimla connected with many cities of India. Direct domestic flights are available for Shimla from New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kullu and many other cities. 

By Bus: reaching Kalpa by road is finest method and frequent bus services are available from Shimla. Bus service is available from Kullu as well. State transport is having better service from various parts of the state for Kalpa.

Harpalpur

Our next Indian tourist place is Harpalpur (a small town) located in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh. This is kind of secret tourist destination that did not have much popularity due to lack of information.

According to sources this town was named after kind Harpal Singh. He was famous for developing Adhikumari Mata Temple in Harpalpur. The height of temple is 1000 ft from the sea level so people will definitely enjoy the site and can watch the town completely. Harpalpur is the only railway station of Chhatarpur region. Closest big tourist destination of this town is Khajuraho.

The dam constructed on river Dhasan is another must visit place of Harpalpur. However, the dam place is some far from the town but easily reachable through local transport to the spot. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty spots at dam place. The most entertaining part of town is it is located on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is just few km away from Harpalpur and Bhopal is also closer to the town. Dam area is only 39.8 km distant from the town.

Other closest places to visit are Mau Ranipur, Baragoan, Ghatkotra, Deori Ghat, Ghat Lahchura, and Sapra Dam. Each place is having different quality and feature so visitors will definitely enjoy the spot. 1 week is enough time to enjoy the Harpalpur and the surrounding places properly and the place is not costly as well. Travelers can book hotels online for accommodation and the frequent trains are available for Harpalpur station from many big stations.

Religious place closer to town is Khandian Babba Temple. You can enjoy the swimming in dam area or at Talab (Lake) comes during the way to temple. Sarawati Vidya Mandir (temple) is next but little far religious place of the town. Ambe Devi temple and some more temples are located close to Sarawati Temple.

Hill Temple: most amazing view of city is possible from the Hill temple. Reaching top of temple is not difficult but old age people might get problem to get on the top. View of town from the temple is best thing to do from hill temple.

Overall place is good but most entertaining areas are Dhasna River, Dhasna Dam and Sapra Dam. These spots are covered with natural beauty and greenery and the rainy season is best time to visit the spots.

Attain Harpalpur:

By Train: Direct train from Nasik, Delhi, Bhopal and some big stations are available for Harpalpur. Frequent trains are available from Bina, Jhansi, Itarsi, Khandwa, Bombay, Chitrakut, Allahabad, Howrah, Gaya, Nizamuddinand many other cities.

By Air: Bhopal is the big domestic airport located close to town. Other closer airports for Harpalpur are Khajuraho and Gwalior. Flights from both airports are available from almost every city of the India.

By Road: If you have own vehicle or want to use state transport than you can reach Chhatarpur (49 km distant) and Rajnagar (73 km distant). The simple route from both cities allows you to travel tension free to reach Harpalpur.